Offensive Tags

'Because the world gives you enough tags' - a campaign for Hanes underwear, developed by the Indian branch of an international advertising agency, has american commentators up in arms. I have to say, I think the artwork is fantastic, and I think the concept clever. Will it sell underwear? Probably not. Will it offend people? I hope so - but in a good way. Who knew underwear would have a social conscience. As for American self censorship in not using the terms 'faggot' and 'nigger' without an asterisk, I think its disingenuous. Trendhunter

Atomic v Otto Expresso Maker

Is this an Atomic?  well no.  It's a newly designed stove top - inspired by the Atomic.  For those who are not coffee and design addicts, the Atomic machine was a a design icon of the 1950's designed by Giordano Robbiati and produced in Italy from the 1940's through until 1984, when a fire reportedly closed the factory. The photo above is not one of the original, but a newly designed stovetop Otto coffee maker inspired by the Atomic.  But wait there's more.  While I have known about this for a month or two, today, I find a report that a collaboration of two companies are producing La Sorrentina a 'premium reproduction' of the original.  Which would you buy - the reproduction in original aluminium, or the new one in stainless steel?  Would a price of AU$450 for the reproduction versus a rumoured AU$600 for the stainless steel Otto affect your choice?

Manifesto with Attitude

Jonathon Adler Manifesto

I got sent the link to this site from a friend, who's sister is in the decorating/furniture/softfurnishings trade. I'm not sure that I share the same manifesto - but I certainly like the attitude.

"We believe handcrafted tchotchkes are life-enhancing." is my favourite.